I've recently stalled on week 8 of the Madcow Intermediate 5x5. I stalled two weeks ago on shoulder press and this past week on bench. I have been reading that it might be time to reset. I guess I'm curious of everyone's opinion of this particular iteration of the 5x5 workout scheme.

I've had great results, probably because I've never really "trained" squats, bench, deads and overhead before. My previous gym experience consisted of low weight, high rep training to failure with lots of circuits and cardio. I never saw results like I have these past 8 weeks.

How does my progress look so far? Just want to bounce this off some people who may know better than I. On non-weight days, I do 45 minutes of cardio, usually a combo of running/cycling or elliptical. Occasional HIIT.

Thanks for any input! Looking forward to learning a lot on this forum.

um id prolly adbvise against it for now until you get a little stronger, you'll prolly be over working the muscles and have a harder time progressing.

heres another version of 5x5, its from IRON ADDICTS and it looks pretty solid. I have never tried this but im gonna have my friend be a guinnea pig for it on monday

Monday
A chin or lat pull-down using 5 x 5, 4 x 6, or 10 x 3 No rowing done this day as deadliftts follow
A curl—because, well, everyone expects them—lol.
Deadlifts 5 x 5 using either a pyramid or fixed weight. Fixed weights are better tolerated by people with good/great recovery
Ab or calf work

Wedesday
Bench press 5 x 5 using a periodized model starting light on week one working to a peak and unloading. Uses a pyramid starting light and working to a top set. Also done s a reduced ROM bench movement for 1 x 3- 3 x 4
Shoulder rep work
Tricep rep work

Friday
Rowing movement using a static weight 5 x 5—VERY demanding during the latter weeks.
Squatting using a static weight 5 x 5—VERY demanding during the latter weeks.
Glute/hams for some lifters.
Ab or calf work if desired

Sunday
Bench press using a static weight for 5 x 5
Shoulder rep work
Tricep rep work
Can do additional chest rep lift if needed.

After 3-5 weeks a deload is done for all 5 x 5’s, either reducing reps or sets. Rep work can stay the same but at my discretion may be reduced.